Hello darlings! Welcome back to Pink-Tutu.com! This month I’m thrilled to whisk you away to February 2nd, 1716. Isn't it just utterly enchanting to think that even in the 18th century, people were dancing? Just picture it – the elegant swirls of fabric, the rhythm of feet tapping on the floor, the enchanting melody of music... It all takes me right back to that timeless magic that we share through ballet.
Today, though, it isn't quite the era of tutus, more of a time for panniers and hoops. But let's not worry, you lovely lot are always fashionably ahead of your time! So even though our dainty pink tutus might not be commonplace yet, it's all part of the thrill, isn't it?
Remember my sweet Magic Meg? She’s already saddled and ready for our trip back to a time when dance wasn't just about elegance; it was a reflection of social life, of joy and passion, just like it is today! It is magical isn’t it?!
But let’s have a quick peek back at what is going on in the world of dance today.
This month there has been so much to take in, the Royal Ballet’s performance of “The Sleeping Beauty”, a classic with so much magic to be enjoyed. It was at the Royal Opera House and we're so lucky here in Britain to have a dedicated opera house right in the heart of London! That glorious red building just speaks to history and grandeur, just like ballet does. I also spotted a fantastic performance at * Sadler’s Wells * by Akram Khan Company. Akram is just a wonder isn't he?! Such innovative, powerful choreography that reminds us just how diverse and dynamic ballet truly is! I think this is why I’ve loved Akram's performances ever since I was little girl. Akram’s choreographies and dances always speak to me about our past, and our future, it’s about being human.
Now for some serious “Tutu Travels”! Let’s time travel! As usual, Magic Meg has my rucksack strapped on and ready to collect any intriguing finds we might uncover!
February 2nd, 1716
Just imagine for a second what life was like in 1716 – carriages and horses clip clopping through the streets, gentlemen in wigs and knee-high stockings, ladies in gowns and powdered wigs! It’s a picture straight from a period drama, and if I’m honest, a period drama where everyone seems to have a terrible cough and the women need a rest on a sofa every 2 minutes. You might be thinking “Oh gosh Emma, are you ok?”. I'm so glad you asked, that's just how those romantic, period drama movies do it, which is why I haven't worn a hoop skirt in years. If I'm being honest. If you can see it and don't agree with it, then you’ve watched one too many period dramas!!
But in amongst the formal world of this century, there was a dance trend known as the "Contredanse." Think of a kind of forerunner to ballroom dancing. It was lively, elegant and oh, so much fun! Think about it – if a dance needs to take off on the back of a hoop skirt, how lively can it be? So instead of trying to do pirouettes with those vast skirts, there is dancing that looks graceful and has more fluidity and elegance about it. They made the most of their gowns, using graceful turns and light movements to create something utterly enchanting. A bit of “slow dancing” too – like a waltz – and something called “minuets”. They were very stately indeed, even the men in their breeches had a particular stance they had to adhere to when dancing them!
I was lucky to discover a fascinating dance book in a dusty antique bookstore. "Dancing Master: or The Compleat Country Dancer", filled with detailed diagrams of how to perform each move and a whole list of steps that they would dance in pairs. Can you just imagine trying to get that book home without being found out by those local townsfolk. That would be a story in itself!!
What do you make of these gentlemen and their breeches? Fancy dancy, indeed! Imagine that on stage, performing for an audience of all the society's top dogs, think what they’d wear if they went to a show nowadays!
The dance lessons were just as important as the actual performances, a chance for folks to gather and chat, as much as it was a chance to learn about dance etiquette. The dance steps would be practiced over and over until they were absolutely perfect!
Dance Etiquette
Yes, there was an art to dancing in the 1700s, a code of etiquette that involved all manner of intricate social rituals, from the curtsy of a lady to the gentleman's bow. It was as much about social prowess as it was about elegant footwork. Think of it as a whole "social" dance!
There were certain rules for dancing in those days, and we are going to learn what they are by talking to one of our “pink-tutu-loving friends from the 18th Century”:
* Lady Anne:* "Ah, darling Emma, it is always so delightful to see a fellow dance enthusiast! How exciting that you’ve ventured back to 1716. What delightful tales you will take back! Here, dearie, let me freshen up that “look” of yours, take a seat.” Lady Anne points me towards a long plush velvety sofa, just next to the huge, beautifully framed, painted portrait of her and her husband - what wonderful decor!
Lady Anne’s dress is certainly elaborate. With the beautiful colour of the lace trim I think I could take some design cues from it! I wish I had bought one of these “hoops” today as they look so good. It's a bit of a problem though when you're on the back of a galloping horse… that must have been the dilemma back in 1716 too!
I have taken a huge wad of paper with my notebook from the 21st Century and am so engrossed that I've only noticed the elegant looking gentleman holding a glass of wine standing patiently behind me.
“Forgive my lack of manners, I am Lady Anne's nephew Lord Simon and we have been waiting eagerly to see you and listen to your stories and thoughts.”
Lord Simon was so well mannered, I was glad he hadn’t said "Fancy dress up day is today? Where’d you get your costume?” Or made some comment about my tutu - how lovely it was to meet a genuine 18th Century gentleman. That made me feel as though I was getting away with a whole lot, even if I wasn't “a real member of the “society”" – not the way they saw things!
"Don't you fret my dears", I say, "the stories will flow freely. I can always chat. But please tell me - in those days what was it all about - all that dance etiquette?”.
"It was absolutely imperative for a woman and a gentleman to know what they were doing," says Lady Anne. "A lady always had to maintain a calm and composed manner; gentlemen needed to show strength, grace and always a gentlemanly attitude! It was the way of life – in fact I think that in the art of dancing is where so much etiquette and civility comes from. It would not do, for a gentleman to accidentally trample upon the foot of a lady. No, it’s just unthinkable! We had rules so everyone could make it out alive.”
“Oh I think that is so wonderful. I'd like that. Let’s dance. Please tell me everything! We've got lots to do today, we can catch up later!” And I think Lord Simon actually did look a bit startled, probably for the first time anyone had suggested to dance after such a polite “chat and sit”.
Now then, off to the Theatre! I feel such an affinity to these ladies in 1716; those dresses – think of the elegance! My pink tutus look very similar. What a fashion-forward girl I am - always way ahead of my time, though with a little less hoopskirts, you'll be glad to know, but more importantly I want every one of you out there reading this post, wearing a pink tutu!! Why don't you give it a go!
The theatre’s lights are shining in this part of London! We will join this fabulous theatre company later today, maybe even join a rehearsal. And while I'm at it, what stories might there be behind these plays that people were watching, in that beautiful and decadent theatre?
We can certainly delve into all that tomorrow. I wonder what fashion I'll see tomorrow… or perhaps I will end up in a play - if we can find one for an extra with dancing… just maybe! It all feels so grand in this era.
Until next time, darling, be bold, be confident, and never ever forget to live a life as vibrant as a pink tutu. Love, Emma
